Brunei Travel Guide - Best Attractions, Local Food & Where to Stay
Brunei Quick Facts
Often known as a “wealthy oil-rich kingdom,” Brunei Darussalam — meaning “The Abode of Peace” — offers far more than meets the eye. Nestled on the northern coast of Borneo and surrounded by Malaysia’s Sarawak state, this small yet prosperous nation is slightly smaller than Singapore, with a population of about 440,000, mainly Malays, alongside Chinese and indigenous communities.
Islam is the official religion, and its influence is visible in everyday life. Brunei’s Sultan, Hassanal Bolkiah, is one of the world’s longest-reigning monarchs. His royal palace, Istana Nurul Iman, has over 1,700 rooms, making it one of the largest in the world.
Thanks to oil and natural gas wealth, Bruneians enjoy no income tax, free education, and healthcare. It’s also one of the safest and cleanest countries in Southeast Asia — calm, prosperous, and alcohol-free, yet full of warmth and culture.
Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
Casual wear is fine, but modesty is essential when visiting mosques:
Women: cover shoulders and wear a scarf.
Men: avoid sleeveless tops or shorts.
Comfortable sandals or sneakers are ideal for exploring.
✈️ Getting to Brunei
Brunei International Airport (BWN) is 15 minutes from the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan. The airport is small, modern, and efficient — perfect for stress-free arrivals.
Recommendations:
Half Day City & Water Village Tour in Brunei
Proboscis Monkey Encounter Tour in BruneiGetYourGuide- Borneo: 10-Day Adventure: Kuching to Brunei and Sabah
GetYourGuide- Borneo Tri-Nation Journey: Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia
Often known as a “wealthy oil-rich kingdom,” Brunei Darussalam — meaning “The Abode of Peace” — offers far more than meets the eye. Nestled on the northern coast of Borneo and surrounded by Malaysia’s Sarawak state, this small yet prosperous nation is slightly smaller than Singapore, with a population of about 440,000, mainly Malays, alongside Chinese and indigenous communities.
Islam is the official religion, and its influence is visible in everyday life. Brunei’s Sultan, Hassanal Bolkiah, is one of the world’s longest-reigning monarchs. His royal palace, Istana Nurul Iman, has over 1,700 rooms, making it one of the largest in the world.
Thanks to oil and natural gas wealth, Bruneians enjoy no income tax, free education, and healthcare. It’s also one of the safest and cleanest countries in Southeast Asia — calm, prosperous, and alcohol-free, yet full of warmth and culture.
Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque🌤 Climate & What to Wear
Brunei has a tropical rainforest climate with temperatures around 24–32°C year-round. The rainy season runs from November to January, so bring a light raincoat or umbrella. Casual wear is fine, but modesty is essential when visiting mosques:
Women: cover shoulders and wear a scarf.
Men: avoid sleeveless tops or shorts.
Comfortable sandals or sneakers are ideal for exploring.
✈️ Getting to Brunei
Brunei International Airport (BWN) is 15 minutes from the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan. The airport is small, modern, and efficient — perfect for stress-free arrivals.
🛫 Airlines Flying to Brunei
Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA) – direct flights from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Jakarta, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Dubai, and Melbourne
Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Philippine Airlines, and Hong Kong Airlines also operate regular or seasonal routes
Approximate Flight Times:
Singapore 2h ｜ Kuala Lumpur 2h20 ｜ Manila 2h30 ｜ Bangkok 3h ｜ Melbourne 6h45
Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA) – direct flights from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Jakarta, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Dubai, and Melbourne
Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Philippine Airlines, and Hong Kong Airlines also operate regular or seasonal routes
Approximate Flight Times:
Singapore 2h ｜ Kuala Lumpur 2h20 ｜ Manila 2h30 ｜ Bangkok 3h ｜ Melbourne 6h45
🛃 Visa & Entry Requirements
Most nationalities can enter visa-free or obtain visa-on-arrival, typically for 14–90 days depending on your passport.
Before arrival, all visitors must:
✅ Complete the E-Arrival Card online
✅ Download the BruHealth App (for health declaration)
✅ Have a passport valid for at least 6 months
That’s it - no lengthy paperwork required. Brunei’s digital entry system makes arrival smooth and fast.
Exchange Rates:
1 BND ≈ 0.73 USD｜1 SGD = 1 BND｜1 BND ≈ 3.40 MYR
Where to Exchange:
Banks & Money Changers: BIBD, Baiduri Bank, Standard Chartered (Mon–Fri, 9am–4pm)
Airport counters: convenient but slightly lower rates
Shopping malls: The Mall (Gadong) or Yayasan Complex
💡 Tip: Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels and restaurants, but cash is best for taxis and night markets. ATMs are easily found in Gadong, Kiulap, and Bandar city.
🚗 Transportation in Brunei
Public transport is limited but manageable. The country’s compact size makes taxis, ride-hailing, or car rentals ideal.
🚕 Dart Ride-Hailing
Brunei’s Dart app (similar to Grab/Uber) is the easiest way to get around.
Airport → City: BND 15–20 (USD 11–15)
Safe, cashless, and reliable
🚗 Car Rental
From BND 50–70 (USD 37–52) per day
Left-side driving, light traffic, and cheap fuel (BND 0.60/L)
Free parking at most malls and hotels
🚌 Buses & Walking
Buses cost BND 1, but routes are limited and end by 6 PM. Walking is possible in the city, though sidewalks are inconsistent. Use Dart for convenience.
🏨 Where to Stay in Brunei
Most attractions are within a 10–15 minute drive. The best areas to stay:
🌇 Gadong – Food & Shopping
Home to Gadong Night Market and The Mall, this is Brunei’s liveliest district.
Recommended: J Hotel
A stylish smart boutique hotel with 93 rooms, rooftop pool, and mosque view.
Rates: BND 80–160 (USD 60–120)
TripAdvisor- Brunei Hotel Recommendations
🍜 Local Food to Try
Bruneian cuisine blends Malay, Indonesian, and Chinese flavors — all Halal and full of variety.
Nasi Katok – fried chicken, rice, sambal; BND 1–2
Soto Brunei – noodle soup with beef or chicken
Roti Canai & Teh Tarik – the classic breakfast combo
Soup Buntut (Oxtail Soup) – hearty and aromatic
Ais Kacang – colorful shaved ice dessert for tropical heat
Don’t miss Gadong Night Market, open daily 4–11 PM, for authentic local bites and street food.
The “Venice of the East,” home to 10,000 residents living on wooden stilts over the river.
💡 Take a water taxi (BND 1–2) and explore at sunset.
🕌 Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
Brunei’s crown jewel with a gold-plated dome and marble minarets.
Open daily except during Friday prayers (12–2 PM). Modest attire required.
🌙 Gadong Night Market
The best place for local street food — satay, nasi katok, and desserts.
Just 5 minutes by taxi from Kiulap or Gadong hotels.
🏛 Royal Regalia Museum
Showcases the Sultan’s regalia, gifts, and royal artifacts.
Open 9 AM–5 PM. Free entry.
🌿 Tasek Lama Park
A lush green retreat near the city with hiking trails and waterfalls.
🕌 Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque
Brunei’s largest mosque, with 29 golden domes — stunning by night.
A 5-minute walk from J Hotel in Gadong.
No smoking in public except designated areas.
Dress modestly and remove shoes in mosques.
Always greet locals politely — Bruneians are warm and respectful.
🌴 Side Trip: Miri, Malaysia
Just 3-4 hours by bus or private car, Miri (Sarawak) offers beaches, night markets, and serves as the gateway to Mulu National Park (UNESCO site).
Bring your passport, fill Malaysia’s eVISA if required, and enjoy a quick cross-border adventure.
GetYourGuide- Borneo: 10-Day Adventure: Kuching to Brunei and Sabah
GetYourGuide- Borneo Tri-Nation Journey: Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia
🌺 Final Thoughts
Brunei may be small, but it’s rich in culture, serenity, and natural beauty. From golden mosques to floating villages and tropical cuisine, it’s a destination where you can slow down, explore deeply, and travel peacefully.
Most nationalities can enter visa-free or obtain visa-on-arrival, typically for 14–90 days depending on your passport.
Before arrival, all visitors must:
✅ Complete the E-Arrival Card online
✅ Download the BruHealth App (for health declaration)
✅ Have a passport valid for at least 6 months
That’s it - no lengthy paperwork required. Brunei’s digital entry system makes arrival smooth and fast.
Royal Brunei
Brunei Airport
💰 Currency & Exchange
The official currency is the Brunei Dollar (BND), pegged 1:1 with the Singapore Dollar (SGD) — both are accepted everywhere. Exchange Rates:
1 BND ≈ 0.73 USD｜1 SGD = 1 BND｜1 BND ≈ 3.40 MYR
Where to Exchange:
Banks & Money Changers: BIBD, Baiduri Bank, Standard Chartered (Mon–Fri, 9am–4pm)
Airport counters: convenient but slightly lower rates
Shopping malls: The Mall (Gadong) or Yayasan Complex
💡 Tip: Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels and restaurants, but cash is best for taxis and night markets. ATMs are easily found in Gadong, Kiulap, and Bandar city.
🚗 Transportation in Brunei
Public transport is limited but manageable. The country’s compact size makes taxis, ride-hailing, or car rentals ideal.
🚕 Dart Ride-Hailing
Brunei’s Dart app (similar to Grab/Uber) is the easiest way to get around.
Airport → City: BND 15–20 (USD 11–15)
Safe, cashless, and reliable
🚗 Car Rental
From BND 50–70 (USD 37–52) per day
Left-side driving, light traffic, and cheap fuel (BND 0.60/L)
Free parking at most malls and hotels
🚌 Buses & Walking
Buses cost BND 1, but routes are limited and end by 6 PM. Walking is possible in the city, though sidewalks are inconsistent. Use Dart for convenience.
GetYourGuide- Brunei Airport Transfer
Taxi & DART
Most attractions are within a 10–15 minute drive. The best areas to stay:
🌇 Gadong – Food & Shopping
Home to Gadong Night Market and The Mall, this is Brunei’s liveliest district.
Recommended: J Hotel
A stylish smart boutique hotel with 93 rooms, rooftop pool, and mosque view.
Rates: BND 80–160 (USD 60–120)
J Hotel prices
🕌 Kiulap – Peaceful & Central
A quiet, convenient district near both Gadong and downtown.
Recommended: Higher Hotel
Spacious rooms, friendly service, and great value (BND 50–90 / USD 37–67).
🌆 Bandar City Center – Cultural Core
Stay near Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, Water Village, and Royal Regalia Museum.
Top picks: Radisson Hotel (4-star) and The Capital Residence Suites (budget).
A quiet, convenient district near both Gadong and downtown.
Recommended: Higher Hotel
Spacious rooms, friendly service, and great value (BND 50–90 / USD 37–67).
🌆 Bandar City Center – Cultural Core
Stay near Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, Water Village, and Royal Regalia Museum.
Top picks: Radisson Hotel (4-star) and The Capital Residence Suites (budget).
TripAdvisor- Brunei Hotel Recommendations
J Hotel
 |
| Higher Hotel |
Bruneian cuisine blends Malay, Indonesian, and Chinese flavors — all Halal and full of variety.
Nasi Katok – fried chicken, rice, sambal; BND 1–2
Soto Brunei – noodle soup with beef or chicken
Roti Canai & Teh Tarik – the classic breakfast combo
Soup Buntut (Oxtail Soup) – hearty and aromatic
Ais Kacang – colorful shaved ice dessert for tropical heat
Don’t miss Gadong Night Market, open daily 4–11 PM, for authentic local bites and street food.
Barbecue/Fried food
Barbecue/Fried food
Barbecue/Fried food
Beverage (Ais Kacang)
Roti Telur
Soup Soto
Ais Kacang
Nasi Gatok
🕌 Must-Visit Attractions
🌊 Kampong Ayer – The Water VillageThe “Venice of the East,” home to 10,000 residents living on wooden stilts over the river.
💡 Take a water taxi (BND 1–2) and explore at sunset.
🕌 Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
Brunei’s crown jewel with a gold-plated dome and marble minarets.
Open daily except during Friday prayers (12–2 PM). Modest attire required.
🌙 Gadong Night Market
The best place for local street food — satay, nasi katok, and desserts.
Just 5 minutes by taxi from Kiulap or Gadong hotels.
🏛 Royal Regalia Museum
Showcases the Sultan’s regalia, gifts, and royal artifacts.
Open 9 AM–5 PM. Free entry.
🌿 Tasek Lama Park
A lush green retreat near the city with hiking trails and waterfalls.
🕌 Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque
Brunei’s largest mosque, with 29 golden domes — stunning by night.
A 5-minute walk from J Hotel in Gadong.
Kampong Ayer
Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
Gadong night market (Pasar Malam)
💡 Travel Tips
No alcohol sold publicly (duty-free limit: 2L spirits or 12 cans beer per person). No smoking in public except designated areas.
Dress modestly and remove shoes in mosques.
Always greet locals politely — Bruneians are warm and respectful.
🌴 Side Trip: Miri, Malaysia
Just 3-4 hours by bus or private car, Miri (Sarawak) offers beaches, night markets, and serves as the gateway to Mulu National Park (UNESCO site).
Bring your passport, fill Malaysia’s eVISA if required, and enjoy a quick cross-border adventure.
GetYourGuide- Borneo Tri-Nation Journey: Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia
🌺 Final Thoughts
Brunei may be small, but it’s rich in culture, serenity, and natural beauty. From golden mosques to floating villages and tropical cuisine, it’s a destination where you can slow down, explore deeply, and travel peacefully.
Recommendations:
Half Day City & Water Village Tour in Brunei
Proboscis Monkey Encounter Tour in BruneiGetYourGuide- Borneo: 10-Day Adventure: Kuching to Brunei and Sabah
GetYourGuide- Borneo Tri-Nation Journey: Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia
GetYourGuide- Brunei Airport Transfer
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